Valyrian steel, dragons, and dynastic claims define House Targaryen in Game of Thrones, a family whose surviving bloodline centers on Daenerys Targaryen and her fractured relatives. This guide clarifies how Aegon V, his children, and the Dance of the Dragons shape Daenerys, Viserys, Rhaegar, and the younger generation, distinguishing show-only figures from book canon. We map the core branches and pivotal events that determine who claims the Iron Throne and why lineage, legitimacy, and marriage alliances still matter in Westeros.
Major Ancestors and Foundational Figures
Understanding the Targaryen family tree begins a generation before the War of the Five Kings. Aegon V Targaryen, the "Unlikely King," and his wife Betha Blackwood anchor several important lines. Their children include Prince Aerys II, the Mad King; Prince Maekar; and the formidable Princess Rhaella. This era anchors many key marriages and grudges that echo into the main series.
Aegon V and Betha Blackwood’s Children
- Prince Aerys II Targaryen, last king before Robert’s Rebellion.
- Prince Maekar Targaryen, a principled but lesser-heard figure in the lore.
- Princess Rhaella Targaryen, who marries Aerys and births Viserys and Daenerys.
Viserys Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen
Viserys Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen, children of Aerys II and Rhaella, represent the last generation of Targaryen rule in Westeros before the series timeline. Viserys, self-styled as the rightful king, presses his sister Daenerys into marriage and ultimately dies trying to reclaim power. Daenerys, exiled and sold into marriage, builds power with dragons and becomes a claimant to the Iron Throne in her own right.
Rhaegar Targaryen and Key Relationships
Rhaegar Targaryen, elder son of Aerys II, is initially absent from the show but central in the lore. His annulled marriage to Elia Martell and claimed marriage to Lyanna Stark set the upheaval of Robert’s Rebellion in motion. Jon Snow’s parentage ties directly to Rhaegar and Lyanna, complicating the Targaryen claim with Stark blood and Azor Ahai prophecy.
Key Marriages and Children
- Rhaegar Targaryen marries Elia Martell (show) and is rumored to marry Lyanna Stark (books/claim).
- Aegon Targaryen (Viserys’s son in the show) is presented as a claimant but lacks broad acceptance.
- Daenerys Targari gen has no natural children in the show, while in the books her lineage remains focused on potential heirs.
Branches, Alliances, and Notable Relatives
Several houses hold Targaryen blood through cadet branches or marriage. The Baratheons descend from Orys Baratheon, rumored to be Aegon the Conqueror’s half-brother, replacing the main royal line militarily. The Martells maintain partial Targaryen ancestry through Elia’s children. Dragon bonds and Valyrian features hint at lingering bloodlines across Westeros, but few remain politically relevant by the series’ start.
Notable Events and Turning Points
Key moments define the Targaryen family tree: the Doom of Valyria scatters survivors; Aegon the Conqueror unifies six kingdoms; the Dance of the Dragons fractures the family; Robert’s Rebellion kills Aerys and Rhaegar, ending the main royal line. These events reduce once-many branches to Daenerys, Viserys, and a handful of distant claimants.
Game of Thrones Targaryen Lineage at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Last ruling king | Aerys II Targaryen (the Mad King) | Show and books |
| Children of Aerys II | Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen | Show and books |
| Rhaegar’s children (in books) | Aegon Targaryen (son), others not confirmed live | Books/show gaps |
| Daenerys’s children (show) | None; three dragons in show | Show |
| Claim relevance post-show | Daenerys is a primary claimant; Jon’s parentage adds ambiguity | Show outcomes + speculation |
Comparison of the Main Living Claimants
| Claimant | Lineage | Basis of Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Daenerys Targaryen | Daughter of Aerys II and Rhaella | Last confirmed Targaryen heir; dragons; conquest of Meereen |
| Viserys Targaryen (show) | Son of Aerys II and Rhaella | Self-styled king; lacks broad support; dies before major events |
| Aegon Targaryen (show) | Supposed son/grandson depending on version | Claimant in season ; legitimacy contested |
| Jon Snow (show) | Rhaegar + Lyanna Stark | Trueborn son of a Targaryen; possible heir in books/show |
Books vs. Show Differences
In the books, Rhaegar’s marriage to Elia is real, while a second claim involving Lyanna creates ambiguity around Jon’s legitimacy and potential heir status. The show simplifies much of this, removing Rhaegar’s broader family and focusing on Daenerys and Viserys. Aegon’s storyline diverges sharply between media, with the books offering a more complex political landscape and the show narrowing claimants to Daenerys and Jon.
Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
The Targaryen family tree matters because bloodline historically justified the Iron Throne. Even with the throne in question and dragons reintroduced, legitimacy hinges on parentage, acceptance by lords, and the ability to project power. House Targaryen’s influence persists through alliances, dragonfire, and the lingering myth of destiny, ensuring their place in future conflicts long after the series ends.
Quick Takeaways
- Core living claimants: Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow (in show), and the disputed Aegon.
- Key events: Doom of Valyria, Aegon’s Conquest, Dance of the Dragons, Robert’s Rebellion.
- Major branches: Main royal line ends with Aerys II; cadet houses (e.g., Martells, Baratheons) carry diluted blood.
- Claim strength: Depends on parentage, dragons, and political support more than mere ancestry.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones Targaryen family tree consolidates around Daenerys and the contested claims of Jon and Aegon, shaped by legacy events and fragile alliances. Lineage grants legitimacy, but power in Westeros depends on armies, dragons, and the willingness of lords to accept a ruler. Understanding these connections clarifies who can realistically sit the Iron Throne and why the fate of the realm still hinges on a few noble bloodlines.